What is this medicine?

IBUPROFEN (eye BYOO proe fen) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It can relieve minor aches and pains caused by a cold, flu, sore throat, headache, or toothache. It is used to treat fever or pain for a short time.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

asthma

drink more than 3 alcohol containing drinks a day

heart disease

high blood pressure

kidney disease

liver disease

not drinking fluids

sore throat with high fever, headache, nausea or vomiting

stomach bleeding or ulcers

an unusual or allergic reaction to ibuprofen, aspirin, other NSAIDs, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

pregnant or trying to get pregnant

breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth. Chew it completely before swallowing. Follow the directions on the package label. Read the directions on the package label very carefully. Use the child's weight or age to find the correct dose. Give with food or a drink to prevent throat burning. If this medicine upsets the stomach, give with food or milk. Do NOT give more than directed. Doses should not be given more than 4 times in one day.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 6 years old for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

cidofovir

ketorolac

methotrexate

pemetrexed

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

alcohol

aspirin

diuretics

lithium

other drugs for inflammation like prednisone

warfarin

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not start to get better within 1 day or if they get worse. Also, check with your doctor if a fever or pain lasts for more than 3 days. See a doctor if you have redness, swelling or pus in the painful area.

This medicine does not prevent heart attack or stroke. In fact, this medicine may increase the chance of a heart attack or stroke. The chance may increase with longer use of this medicine and in people who have heart disease. If you take aspirin to prevent heart attack or stroke, talk with your doctor or health care professional.

Do not take other medicines that contain aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen with this medicine. Side effects such as stomach upset, nausea, or ulcers may be more likely to occur. Many medicines available without a prescription should not be taken with this medicine.

This medicine can cause ulcers and bleeding in the stomach and intestines at any time during treatment. Ulcers and bleeding can happen without warning symptoms and can cause death. To reduce your risk, do not smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol while you are taking this medicine.

This medicine can cause you to bleed more easily. Try to avoid damage to your teeth and gums when you brush or floss your teeth.